Beneath the tall, towering coconut palms on the beach at Maracas Bay, Trinidad, stood this small, solitary crooked tree, its leaves blowing carelessly in the cool Caribbean breeze. I photographed this and many other people, places and things during my first visit to Trinidad in 2007. It was a very significant trip for me for many reasons, full of hope and uncertainty. In some ways, this tree was much like a reminder to stay standing wherever you’re planted and hold your own, whatever the weather may bring. #tree #trees #art #artwork #drawing #watercolor #painting #nature #natureart #dmvartist #artistoninstagram #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

One of my favorite places to go on walks is along a nature trail in Lake Anne, in Reston, Virginia. There’s an abundance of nature in the area, and along the trail, which provides a brief respite from the bustling urbanization of nearby Reston Town Center. As humans, we tend to give human qualities to things that aren’t human, like animals, cars, architecture, and in this case, trees. This one had a peaceful, humble quality about it, as it appeared to be bowing quietly in a small clearing in the woods, basking in rays of sunlight randomly piercing the forest canopy. I stopped and took notice of this tree during a particularly stressful time in my life, and perhaps it was a subtle reminder to slow down and breathe more often. #tree #trees #art #artwork #drawing #watercolor #nature #natureart #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artistoninstagram

May Flowers Monster 3: So many things troubled Lizzy’s ever-thinking mind, which constantly twisted and turned from one thought to the next, like a roller coaster without a stop. Lizzy was an anxious lizard who needed to get away, if not for a day, to clear her head from her worries and woes. Thankfully she discovered that she didn’t have too far to go, after taking a walk to a local nature park. As she sat in a field of tall grass and wildflowers, she took a deep breath and slowly let out a big sigh, as she opened her heart and surrendered her worries, her anger, her fears and sadness to the universe, and felt a deep connection to the Earth, and all that is good. #art #artwork #illustration #drawing #watercolor #splotchmonster #splotchmonsters #splotchmonsterisland #monster #monsterart #lizard #nature #mayflowers #creativecollaboration #butterflies #bees #hummingbirds #springtime #artonpaper #dmvartist #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #supportlivingartists #buyart #artforsale #showyourwork

This kwanzan cherry tree grows behind my friend Allen’s little bookstore, Books and Other Found Things, in Leesburg, Virginia. In addition to selling used books, Allen was interested in selling and supporting the work of local artists and crafters, and he was one of the first people to help me sell and exhibit my Splotch Monster Island work to the public. I even did my first Splotch Monster-making demo during an April First Friday event, about eight years ago under this tree. It is people like Allen, who believed in and supported my art along the way, who I will always be grateful for, and this tree is forever etched in my mind as a place where new growth and potential began to bloom in unexpected places. #art #artwork #drawing #watercolor #trees #kwanzancherrytree ##growth #nature #natureart #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artistoninstagram

This is one of two massive, old trees that sit on top of a hill at Ida Lee Park, in Leesburg, Virginia. Other nearby trees were recently cut down, most likely due to safety and park maintenance, however I can’t imagine the park without the presence of this gentle giant, whose absence would be a void not unlike that of a lost limb. I’ve proposed to and gotten married to Kris under its silent watch. I’ve fallen asleep, and witnessed a solar eclipse in the shade of its canopy. I wonder how many storms the tree has weathered, and how many people have passed beneath the winding, reaching branches of what must be one of the oldest living organisms in the park. #tree #trees #art #nature #natureart #drawing #watercolor #artwork #leesburgva #artistoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

May Flowers Monster 2: Despite the many challenges faced by Flora the garden beast, she knew that each new day brought the promise of a new beginning. This particular morning was extra special, as the warm sun brought the flowers on Flora's back, to life, after a windy and rainy night, and she was greeted by three beautiful birds, their colors and calls filled her with a sense of peace and gratitude. Flora is now available for purchase in the shop - link in bio! #art #splotchmonsters #splotchmonsterisland #splotchmonster #monster #monsterart #artforsale #artwork #watercolor #drawing #makeart #sellart #buyart #collectart #supportlivingartists #showyourwork #artonpaper #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #dragon #birds #wildlife #mayflowers #flowers #springtime

Cole the vole grew tired of traveling across what seemed like an endless field of grass, when he met a rather large Splotchasnail. The Splotchasnail sensed the small mammal’s exhaustion and offered to give him a ride. Cole, in return noticed the snail panting from the heat of an unusually warm and sunny afternoon and grabbed the biggest flower he could from the field of grass, and held it over the shelled creature’s head, providing shade and relief from the heat. Both critters had no place to go, in particular, and decided it was best to take their time and simply enjoy the ride, wherever it may lead to. #art #artwork #drawing #illustration#splotchmonsters #splotchmonster #splotchmonsterisland #watercolor #snail #vole #wildlife #springtime #mayflowers #dmvartist #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #makeart #supportlivingartists #sellart #artforsale #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #flowers

In the mid-to-late nineties, shortly before moving to northern Virginia, I used to regularly hike McConnells Mill State Park, which was about an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh. I’d usually spend Saturdays in the city, and Sundays on the trails. The hikes weren’t just a form of exercise, but also a means to connect with nature. Years later I was able to take Kris on a hike through the park, and was more than happy to see her witness the beauty of this place, with its giant mossy boulders, prehistoric-looking trees, and the nearby rapids of Slippery Rock Creek. Just don’t ask her about the surprise wild turkey that literally launched out of the bushes like a cannonball, into the air, nearly grazing her head! That said, we both took lots of photos that day, one of which included this tree whose roots were growing around a massive rock - a fairly common sight along the main trail. I’ve always admired the way trees like this adapted to their surroundings and found a way to survive and thrive, even. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from our forest dwelling friends. #trees #art #artwork #natureart #nature #mconnellsmillstatepark #drawing #nature #watercolor #hiking #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artistoninstagram

Yesterday, while at work, I created a tattoo design during my lunch break. In the past I’ve done designs for other people, but never for myself. In fact, I don’t have a single tattoo on my body, but that might change soon. I figured, if I’m going to get one, it needs to be my own work, and it must have some kind of personal significance. This particular design symbolizes the life and love that Kris and I shared, and its lasting impact on me, as a person. After several rough pencil sketches, I finally got something I was pleased with, though it still needs a few tweaks and improvements. Hidden within the wings of the rising phoenix are the letters K and S. The body is made up of a heart within a heart, while the tail is formed from an infinity symbol. All fairly cliché, though universal symbolism - its originality derived from its unique composition and design. Where I’ll get it placed is anyone’s guess, but most likely it’ll go somewhere on my left shoulder or arm. On a side note, I just realized I used Kris’ favorite pen (Le Pen, black) ,when outlining and inking the drawing in. #tattoo #tattoodesign #tattooart #phoenix #infinitelove #symbolism #art #artwork #drawing #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork #shareyourwork #love #artlove #LePen #phoenix #phoenixrising #everlastinglove #wip

Micro-scape 70, 2.5” x 3.5”, acrylic paint, ink and gloss varnish on 140 lb watercolor paper. #art #artwork #painting #acrylicpainting #atc #artisttradingcard #aceo #tinyart #abstractart #abstractpainting #abstractlandscape #color #texture #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artonpaper #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #makeart #showyourwork

One early Autumn morning the mystic pond beast of the Far East woke up to the sight of a silent painted turtle blissfully basking in the sun, perched perfectly on top of its big bumpy snout. Lately, the beast had been feeling the weight of the world falling down heavily upon its mighty shoulders, but was reminded by the little turtle that it was important to take some time out to relax and recharge. Besides, he simply couldn’t blame the tiny terrapin for choosing such an excellent spot to sun its shiny, slippery shell. #splotchmonster #splotchmonsters #splotchmonsterisland #monster #art #monsterart #watercolor #drawing #artwork #turtle #paintedturtle #easternpaintedturtle #terrapin #autumn #fall #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #showyourwork

Splotch Monster for Ukraine. Last night, while watching the news in my hotel room in NYC, with Anderson Cooper covering the devastation and destruction in the Ukraine on CNN, I felt compelled to create a Splotch Monster to sell and raise some money to help the Ukrainian people, in some small way. In fact, I was going to post it for sale for $50, postage covered, today, but a good friend and fan already decided to buy it. Seeing what was going on, especially witnessing the moms and doctors tending to children with cancer, all hiding out in the basement of a major Ukrainian hospital, as Russian forces indiscriminately bombarded civilian infrastructure, broke my heart. This is the least I can do. #splotchmonsters #splotchmonsterisland #art #artwork #drawing #watercolor #monster #monsterart #helpukraine #artactivism #artonpaper #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudounart

Shortly after Kris and I got married we started visiting wineries throughout Loudoun Country, Virginia. Thanks to a coupon book we stumbled upon, it was still relatively affordable to visit several wineries a month, and it was a great way to get out and explore the beauty this area had to offer. One of our favorite wineries was a place called North Gate, who had since been sold and reopened as another winery. The people who ran it were very kind, the wine was excellent, and they were one of the few wineries who hosted art exhibits, featuring the work of local artists. Kris and I were lucky enough to have had a couple of exhibits ourselves at North Gate - something we could’ve only dreamt of when we first started going there. One time, while sitting out on the back patio of North Gate, Kris pointed out a small, broken tree that seemed to have a face, like that of a person. I saw it right away, and we both agreed that it seemed to be watching us. I took a picture of it, sketched it in a sketchbook, and later made this version of the tree. The following year, when we returned, for whatever reason it seemed to have disappeared. I’d like to think in some way it was memorialized through a work of art. #trees #tree #art #nature #natureart #artwork #drawing #watercolor #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

Enjoying a hot cup of coffee on this crisp fall morning, in a beautiful mug by Richard Busch. I had the pleasure of meeting Richard at the former Tryst Gallery in Leesburg, when Kris was managing the space for a couple of years. He’d bring in big gorgeous framed black and white photographs of Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Roger Daltrey and more, for exhibit. I’d sometimes assist Kris during the extensive jurying process that happened each month, for every exhibit, and see theses images come up through the online database and wonder, who is this guy who got these gorgeous photos of legendary rock and roll stars, and how I had to meet him. In addition to his photos of well-known people, he documented the original Woodstock event, as well as simple, everyday occurrences in nature, and landscapes. Then there were his ceramic works, all greatly informed by a zen-like aesthetic and philosophy. I finally got to meet him at an exhibit of my paintings that he and his wonderful wife had shown up to, and he was so kind and so easy to talk with. You’d never know he was this local living legend, in his own right, whose work was featured in numerous major publications, and was recently accepted into the permanent archives of MoMA. Last summer, when I visited him during the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour, we had a good little talk, despite the fact that there were plenty of folks milling about his place, and without hesitation he had no problem mentioning and talking with me about Kris, probably even more so than many folks who I consider close to me, and that stuck with me, and left an impression on me that filled my heart with happiness for the remainder of the day. I wish we lived closer to each other, because he’s the kind of person who I feel like we could talk about anything and everything with all day long, and he has invited me out to do just that, not too long ago. I think I should take him up on that. #richardbush #loudouncountyceramicist #loudouncountyphotographer #loudounart #loudouncountyartist #ceramicmug #art #artist #artistoninstagram #dmvartist #zenaesthetic #zen #handmade #handmadeceramics

This morning I finally went for it and hiked the Raven Rocks portion of the Appalachian Trail. It has been years since I last hiked this trail and I was worried I might not have been in the kind of shape required to hike this trail, but it looks like the visits to the gym and walks around the neighborhood have paid off. Nature has always been a great source of peace and inspiration, so I brought my iPad in hopes of composing a little ambient track in Garageband, inspired by my surroundings. I included a little snippet here in the post, though it might still need some work. I also tried to get some sketching in, but the yellow jackets kept paying me a visit. Must’ve been the tasty treats I brought along, so I eventually had to cut my stay short and scram. With the weather getting slightly cooler, I don’t think this will be the last time I visit this year, however, especially when fall arrives! #ravenrocks #crescentrock #appalachiantrail #hiking #takeahike #getoutside #nature #middummer #drawing #sketching #moleskine #moleskinesketchbook #ambientmusic #garageband #electronicmusic #instrumentalmusic #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

I had a little bit of time to spare between getting out of work yesterday, and going to a dental appointment in Leesburg, so I stopped by Raflo Park to see the latest selection of public sculpture as part of the sPARKs program. Every year the park gets a new rotation of work from local artists, and while it’s sometimes sad to see some favorites go, it’s also exciting to see the new work that arrives. I remember living in Leesburg and walking through the park on a near daily basis from about 2006-2010, and occasionally getting stuck passing through at night with a slight feeling of unease, though the park possessed a certain, peaceful charm by day. I even had a photo shoot with @krisloyaart done there one day, and friends thought we went on a vacation or to somewhere exotic, upon seeing the pictures. If only they saw the dilapidated and abandoned factory building across the street from the park. Now that old building has been replaced with overpriced condos and boutique shops, and the park is almost a little too squeaky clean for my liking. Still, I love that it’s a place where public art is on display and the work of local artists is celebrated. In fact this new set of sculptures could be my favorite bunch yet! #raflopark #leesburg #leesburgva #loudounart #artsparks #publicpark #publicsculpture #sculpture #outdoorsculpture #art #artwork #artists

Big congrats to @annerulethompson on her solo art exhibit at @king.street.coffee! I can’t remember the last time I saw Anne, who started out teaching art in Loudoun with me in 2001, and it was so good to finally see her and her amazing work in person at one of my favorite old Leesburg haunts. I’ve seen a lot of great little art exhibits at this wonderful space, but Anne’s work really elevated the presence of the place, and was perfect for the holiday season. It was also great to catch up with some other colleagues and friends who I haven’t seen in quite some time, and I simply couldn’t go home without purchasing one of Anne’s pieces - one of which first grabbed my attention online a little while back, and one that could actually fit on my walls. I ended up finding the best spot for it to hang, right by the new painting I bought from my friend Jeff, from his recent exhibit at @artsoundlanguage - they seem to compliment each other so well, and are the first pieces of art people will see when they walk through my front door. Anne also kindly gifted me a gorgeous Christmas ornament that she made as well, and I’m so glad I decided on putting up @krisloyaart’s little pink tree this year, so this little beauty, along with a few others, will have a place to be displayed during the holiday season. #encaustic #encausticpainting #encausticart #art #artwork #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #mixedmediaart #natureart #landscape #skyscape #seascape #supportlivingartists #kingstreetcoffee #leesburgva #leesburgvirginia #loudounart #artexhibit #soloexhibit #shareyourwork #annerulethompson #jeffdukaart

May Flowers Monster 7: Triple Header hopped on a skate with a fresh bouquet for a beautiful date. Hurry up, Triple Header, don’t make her wait! Get rollin’ Triple Header, don’t wanna be late! #art #artwork #watercolor #drawing #creative collaboration #artforsale #splotchMonsterIsland #splotchmonsters #splotchmonster #makeart #buyart #supportlivingartists #dmvartist #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

I had a little bit of time to spare between getting out of work yesterday, and going to a dental appointment in Leesburg, so I stopped by Raflo Park to see the latest selection of public sculpture as part of the sPARKs program. Every year the park gets a new rotation of work from local artists, and while it’s sometimes sad to see some favorites go, it’s also exciting to see the new work that arrives. I remember living in Leesburg and walking through the park on a near daily basis from about 2006-2010, and occasionally getting stuck passing through at night with a slight feeling of unease, though the park possessed a certain, peaceful charm by day. I even had a photo shoot with @krisloyaart done there one day, and friends thought we went on a vacation or to somewhere exotic, upon seeing the pictures. If only they saw the dilapidated and abandoned factory building across the street from the park. Now that old building has been replaced with overpriced condos and boutique shops, and the park is almost a little too squeaky clean for my liking. Still, I love that it’s a place where public art is on display and the work of local artists is celebrated. In fact this new set of sculptures could be my favorite bunch yet! #raflopark #leesburg #leesburgva #loudounart #artsparks #publicpark #publicsculpture #sculpture #outdoorsculpture #art #artwork #artists

Micro-scape 69, 2.5” x 3.5”, acrylic paint, ink and gloss varnish on 140 lb watercolor paper. #art #artwork #painting #acrylicpainting #atc #artisttradingcard #aceo #tinyart #abstractart #abstractpainting #abstractlandscape #color #texture #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artonpaper #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #makeart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve been digging back into my past. I found a bunch of photos I took along the Appalachian Trail since as far back as 2001, when I first started hiking it. Back then I used to hike it on a regular basis, but not so much anymore. With this new series I decided to try and catch a sort of nostalgia and magic that I feel towards this place. My rules for this new series is to choose two photographs and overlap/merge them in Procreate, adjust the colors, change the angle only if necessary, and finally, present the image in a square format. #appalachiantrail #photography #abstractphotography #naturephotography #digitalphotography #procreate #ipad #art #artwork #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Seventeen Year Souvenir, 3D mixed media assemblage. Here’s one I’ve been working on all summer. It’s different from what I’ve done lately, but it takes me back to high school, where I was fortunate to have some great, progressive-minded art teachers, who encouraged working with all manner of found objects. Inspired by Joseph Cornell, and made in response to a call for art for a cicada-themed show at @ruby.projects, I got to work on this right away. While the cicada show never materialized, Travis, who runs Ruby was kind enough to accept the piece for display at one of his gallery spaces. I guess I never got over these critters, whose brief visitation seemed like a lifetime ago, their presence akin to the hope we were all feeling at the start of the summer. Sadly, that has changed in a very short amount of time for reasons that I’ll refrain from ranting about here. That said, I had no real plan in mind, when setting out to make this piece. The old drawer was purchased at a local thrift store, the Ball jar and old frame was sitting around in my studio, and the base was a thing that said You Rule, from the cheap stuff section of Target. I wanted to use cicada wings in some way in the work, but pulling them off of their carcasses wasn’t very appealing. On an evening walk, while looking for twigs and acorns and such, I found a ton of lone wings just laying around at the edge of the trail. I’m assuming the ants ate the bodies and left the wings. Whatever the case, I was in luck! The drawing is a giclee print of an older drawing I made, which I drew over some more, adding some leaves and crawling and flying cicadas. I painted the interior of the drawer white, varnished the drawing, and stuck things on with E6000 glue. Finally, @krisloyaart helped me out immensely by setting up and printing out a stickable QR code and sound wave of a recording she made of the cicadas. That part was the icing on the cake, for this piece! #art #artwork #assemblageart #cicadas #broodx #insects #natureart #sculpture #artwork #repurposedart #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #drawing #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #showyourwork

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Big congrats to @annerulethompson on her solo art exhibit at @king.street.coffee! I can’t remember the last time I saw Anne, who started out teaching art in Loudoun with me in 2001, and it was so good to finally see her and her amazing work in person at one of my favorite old Leesburg haunts. I’ve seen a lot of great little art exhibits at this wonderful space, but Anne’s work really elevated the presence of the place, and was perfect for the holiday season. It was also great to catch up with some other colleagues and friends who I haven’t seen in quite some time, and I simply couldn’t go home without purchasing one of Anne’s pieces - one of which first grabbed my attention online a little while back, and one that could actually fit on my walls. I ended up finding the best spot for it to hang, right by the new painting I bought from my friend Jeff, from his recent exhibit at @artsoundlanguage - they seem to compliment each other so well, and are the first pieces of art people will see when they walk through my front door. Anne also kindly gifted me a gorgeous Christmas ornament that she made as well, and I’m so glad I decided on putting up @krisloyaart’s little pink tree this year, so this little beauty, along with a few others, will have a place to be displayed during the holiday season. #encaustic #encausticpainting #encausticart #art #artwork #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #mixedmediaart #natureart #landscape #skyscape #seascape #supportlivingartists #kingstreetcoffee #leesburgva #leesburgvirginia #loudounart #artexhibit #soloexhibit #shareyourwork #annerulethompson #jeffdukaart

My good friend @emscottart interviewed me for his Artistic Accomplices podcast a couple of weeks back, and posted it last week. It was good to be back on this excellent podcast for a second round, however this time it took place via a Zoom conference. The podcast has been going strong for over a year, and I look forward to giving it a listen every other Tuesday, when a new episode is posted. I highly recommend checking out all the episodes for some artistic inspiration and some good nuggets of wisdom. Check it out! #artisticaccomplices #art #podcast #creativity #arttalk #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #artistoninstagram #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Micro-scape 61, 2.5” x 3.5”, acrylic paint, ink and gloss varnish on 140 lb watercolor paper. #art #artwork #painting #acrylicpainting #atc #artisttradingcard #aceo #tinyart #abstractart #abstractpainting #abstractlandscape #color #texture #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artonpaper #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #makeart #showyourwork

I had a little bit of time to spare between getting out of work yesterday, and going to a dental appointment in Leesburg, so I stopped by Raflo Park to see the latest selection of public sculpture as part of the sPARKs program. Every year the park gets a new rotation of work from local artists, and while it’s sometimes sad to see some favorites go, it’s also exciting to see the new work that arrives. I remember living in Leesburg and walking through the park on a near daily basis from about 2006-2010, and occasionally getting stuck passing through at night with a slight feeling of unease, though the park possessed a certain, peaceful charm by day. I even had a photo shoot with @krisloyaart done there one day, and friends thought we went on a vacation or to somewhere exotic, upon seeing the pictures. If only they saw the dilapidated and abandoned factory building across the street from the park. Now that old building has been replaced with overpriced condos and boutique shops, and the park is almost a little too squeaky clean for my liking. Still, I love that it’s a place where public art is on display and the work of local artists is celebrated. In fact this new set of sculptures could be my favorite bunch yet! #raflopark #leesburg #leesburgva #loudounart #artsparks #publicpark #publicsculpture #sculpture #outdoorsculpture #art #artwork #artists

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Another Virginia Art Education Conference has come and gone, and I’ve got a renewed appreciation and love for not just my profession, but for Harrisonburg, Virginia. It’s been a long time since I’ve last been there, and while it’s not nearly as artsy as Richmond (where we had the conference last year), it’s got a genuinely friendly warmth and historic charm, not to mention some amazing places to eat. I didn’t do any workshops or presentations this time around, and preferred instead to check out what other art educators had to offer, much of which was very inspiring - a highlight being artist Steve Prince’s incredibly moving keynote presentation (third photo). My good friend of over thirty years, @emscottart’s “Get To Work” talk was highly motivating as well, and it was so great to watch someone I consider a brother, deliver such an awesome talk. Another highlight was being able to sell lots of my work at the Artisans Market, which I posted about over at @splotchmonsterisland, and meet some wonderful people. I’m so grateful that the organizers of this conference recognize that many of us art teachers are also artists and crafters, and gave us a platform and an opportunity to get our stuff out there in the world. I also found a Greenberry’s Coffee Co, which has a very special, personal significance in that @krisloyaart and I would go to the one that used to be in Leesburg every weekend, when we lived there, and split a blueberry scone between the two of us, over a coffee. Luckily, the one on the JMU campus still serves the exact same, incredible scones, which I made a point to get both Friday and Saturday morning. Anyway, I learned so much and ate too much and had so much fun over the past several days, and it’s hard to believe it’s over already - it all went by way too quickly. Already looking forward to next year’s event! #vaea #vaea2023 #harrisonburg #arteducation #arteducator #artteacher #artteachers #artteachersofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #art #harrisonburgva #greenberryscoffee #artteacherlife #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

I had a little bit of time to spare between getting out of work yesterday, and going to a dental appointment in Leesburg, so I stopped by Raflo Park to see the latest selection of public sculpture as part of the sPARKs program. Every year the park gets a new rotation of work from local artists, and while it’s sometimes sad to see some favorites go, it’s also exciting to see the new work that arrives. I remember living in Leesburg and walking through the park on a near daily basis from about 2006-2010, and occasionally getting stuck passing through at night with a slight feeling of unease, though the park possessed a certain, peaceful charm by day. I even had a photo shoot with @krisloyaart done there one day, and friends thought we went on a vacation or to somewhere exotic, upon seeing the pictures. If only they saw the dilapidated and abandoned factory building across the street from the park. Now that old building has been replaced with overpriced condos and boutique shops, and the park is almost a little too squeaky clean for my liking. Still, I love that it’s a place where public art is on display and the work of local artists is celebrated. In fact this new set of sculptures could be my favorite bunch yet! #raflopark #leesburg #leesburgva #loudounart #artsparks #publicpark #publicsculpture #sculpture #outdoorsculpture #art #artwork #artists

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

Today, my friends @lagoarthurstudio and @kimtrichards got me out of the house and out to Middleburg, Virginia for some art fun. Admittedly, it was a bit of challenge to drive out this way at first, because @krisloyaart and I have had many happy date days here, and we’ve made so many beautiful memories, but being with friends, who were also good friends of hers, was an excellent way to spend a sunny, pre-spring day. First we went to the National Sporting Library and Museum to see some art and do some sketching, the latter of which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this place, not being a fan of fox hunting at all, but I figured I’d go with an open mind since I’d be in such good company. Honestly, it turned out to be pretty remarkable, and it’s filled with a wide variety of mostly equestrian art, from paintings to drawings, and illustrations to sculpture. I even attempted to sketch some fish from a nearby painting. I guess that can explain why I got fish & chips afterwards, at a nearby restaurant. Next time I visit, I might just challenge myself to draw a horse - something I’ve never been even remotely good at. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this unique and beautiful place, located in the hub of historic Middleburg! #art #arting #artmuseum #sketching #sketchbook #moleskine #equestrianart #middleburg #northernvirginia #nationalsportinglibraryandmuseum #loudouncountyartists #artistsoninstagram #loudounart

While visiting the @visitmsv for the Sean Kenney Lego art exhibit, I was also able to catch the POP art exhibit, featuring four regional artists who created work celebrating celebrities, characters, and prominent figures of recent pop culture. While all the work from all the artists was impressive, I couldn’t help but focus on the incredible sculptural works by @artbykimpkim. I first saw Kim’s work when she brought her RBG sculpture in to @trystgallery. I remember how @krisloyaart and I were absolutely blown away by this piece, and Kris, who loved Ginsburg, was of course, in love with this piece, which is viewable in this post. The other two works by Kim are gorgeous homages to two of my favorite artists, Yayoi Kusama, and Frida Kahlo. I did my best to capture these hanging sculptures in my photos, but they definitely should be seen in person to fully appreciate them. #artbykimpkim #yayoikusama #kusama #fridakahlo #rbg #ruthbaderginsburg #museumoftheshenandoahvalley #msv #winchesterva #artexhibit #popart #fineart #loudounart #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #loudouncountyartist #sculpture #painting

Micro-scape 69, 2.5” x 3.5”, acrylic paint, ink and gloss varnish on 140 lb watercolor paper. #art #artwork #painting #acrylicpainting #atc #artisttradingcard #aceo #tinyart #abstractart #abstractpainting #abstractlandscape #color #texture #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #artonpaper #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #makeart #showyourwork

This morning I finally went for it and hiked the Raven Rocks portion of the Appalachian Trail. It has been years since I last hiked this trail and I was worried I might not have been in the kind of shape required to hike this trail, but it looks like the visits to the gym and walks around the neighborhood have paid off. Nature has always been a great source of peace and inspiration, so I brought my iPad in hopes of composing a little ambient track in Garageband, inspired by my surroundings. I included a little snippet here in the post, though it might still need some work. I also tried to get some sketching in, but the yellow jackets kept paying me a visit. Must’ve been the tasty treats I brought along, so I eventually had to cut my stay short and scram. With the weather getting slightly cooler, I don’t think this will be the last time I visit this year, however, especially when fall arrives! #ravenrocks #crescentrock #appalachiantrail #hiking #takeahike #getoutside #nature #middummer #drawing #sketching #moleskine #moleskinesketchbook #ambientmusic #garageband #electronicmusic #instrumentalmusic #artistoninstagram #artistsoninstagram #dmvartist #loudouncountyartist #loudounart

I had a little bit of time to spare between getting out of work yesterday, and going to a dental appointment in Leesburg, so I stopped by Raflo Park to see the latest selection of public sculpture as part of the sPARKs program. Every year the park gets a new rotation of work from local artists, and while it’s sometimes sad to see some favorites go, it’s also exciting to see the new work that arrives. I remember living in Leesburg and walking through the park on a near daily basis from about 2006-2010, and occasionally getting stuck passing through at night with a slight feeling of unease, though the park possessed a certain, peaceful charm by day. I even had a photo shoot with @krisloyaart done there one day, and friends thought we went on a vacation or to somewhere exotic, upon seeing the pictures. If only they saw the dilapidated and abandoned factory building across the street from the park. Now that old building has been replaced with overpriced condos and boutique shops, and the park is almost a little too squeaky clean for my liking. Still, I love that it’s a place where public art is on display and the work of local artists is celebrated. In fact this new set of sculptures could be my favorite bunch yet! #raflopark #leesburg #leesburgva #loudounart #artsparks #publicpark #publicsculpture #sculpture #outdoorsculpture #art #artwork #artists

Yesterday I was able to stop by The Athenaeum, in Alexandria, Virginia, to catch my friend @leannefink_art’s opening for her incredible solo exhibit, National Treasures. I’ve enjoyed watching Leanne’s work evolve and progress over the years, and it’s been almost exactly six years since @krisloyaart gave Leanne a solo show at @trystgallery. This current exhibit is testament to what can happen when an artist puts in consistent hard work and dedication, and this particular series brought the gorgeous, historic Athenaeum alive, on a very gray and foggy December day. Some words from the artist, herself, about the series: “My wish is that this body of work will uplift those who view it. On a deeper level, I hope it will raise awareness for the fragile beauty that surrounds us and serve as an oasis where we may reflect on our interactions with the natural world." The show runs through January 7, 2024, and you can catch a live painting demo from Leanne on Saturday, December 16, from 1-3pm. #theathenaeum #leannefinkart #nationaltreasuresexhibit #alexandriava #oldtownalexandria #soloexhibit #artopening #artexhibit #oilpainting #coldwaxmedium #coldwaxpainting #artistsoninstagram #artistoninstagram #loudouncountyartist #loudounart #supportlivingartists #painting #northernvirginiafineartsassociation #art #artwork #dmvartist